Is it worth getting a university degree?

You’re pushing through Year 12, and you can’t wait to finish school and stop studying. You might feel like you never want to take another class or write another essay again. 

This could leave you wondering, is getting a university degree actually worth it? Like so many things in life, there’s no one answer that’s right for everybody.  

Enrolling in university is a decision only you can make, and it’s important that you make an informed decision. 

That’s where we come in. We sat down with Jane Hahn, Head of Talent Development and Recruitment Services at Deakin University, to discuss why getting a university degree could be worth your while. 

Why ‘learning to learn’ at university matters 

According to Jane, an undergraduate degree – in any field – offers the perfect opportunity for you to ‘learn how to learn’. In today’s rapidly changing jobs market, she says this capability is critical. 

‘Lifelong learning has never been more important,’ says Hahn, who provides extensive, free support to Deakin graduates to  land their first job. 

‘The future of work is evolving at an incredible pace. Consider that when Steve Jobs launched the iPhone there were maybe four app developers in the world. Today, there are more than 4 million people earning a living as an app developer,’ Hahn adds. ‘It’s just one example but it illustrates how quickly the employment landscape is changing.’ 

‘The only real certainty is that employees will be required to continuously learn new skills and new ways of thinking. A university degree gives you the ability to do this.’ 

But doesn’t school teach you how to learn? If you’re approaching the end of 13 years at school, surely you’ve ‘learnt how to learn’ already? 

‘Not necessarily,’ Hahn says. ‘Learning in a university setting is more about developing as a truly independent, adult learner who can engage with new content or ideas and apply them in multiple contexts.’ 

Can I work while studying? 

Yes! Unlike school, a university degree offers more freedom to focus on the things you enjoy learning about.  

‘Because of this, many students find university a more enjoyable experience. It’s very flexible too, with students having more control over their study timetable and often combining university with a  part-time job.’ 

‘There are also multiple pathways through university. You can complete your degree part time, or take a year off to work or travel. It’s not as linear as school – uni students take many different routes along the way to earning a degree.’ 

These options allow you to study and earn a qualification alongside your other life commitments. Many students find that the flexibility alone goes a long way in making their university degree a worthwhile learning experience.  

Develop skills employers want 

University offers a unique opportunity to develop sought-after skills, making you more employable. For many, the increased employability that comes with a university degree is worth the effort.  

‘In today’s era of rapid change, employers in all sectors are increasingly looking for soft skills, like written and oral communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration,’ Hahn says. 

According to Graduate Careers Australia, the  top six skills  employers want include teamwork and interpersonal skills – the kind you develop at university through working on projects, creating constructive arguments, collaborating on group tasks and analysing complex ideas. 

‘These sorts of skills transfer to virtually any role, in any industry,’ Hahn says. 

‘Employees will be required to continuously learn new skills and new ways of thinking. A university degree gives you the ability to do this.’ 

Open the door to university networking 

A university degree can help you broaden your network and even access the ‘hidden’ jobs market, making that degree worth it in the long run. 

‘Students develop networks at university that routinely lead to employment,’ Hahn explains. ‘This might be through membership of student societies and clubs, through networks with others studying in the same field, or via connections to academics.’ 

‘Any degree at Deakin also offers opportunities to round out your CV and make you more attractive to prospective employers. I’m talking about work experience placements and internships as well as the incredible opportunity to  study overseas.’ 

Do university graduates earn more money? 

There’s no question a university degree gives you an edge in the job market, enabling you to apply for graduate roles and career opportunities that simply aren’t accessible to non-degree holders. 

A bachelor’s degree will also pay dividends throughout your life. Those with a university degree are likely to earn more than their peers in the same industry with no university degree.  

A university degree also impacts employability with the OECD’s  Education at a glance 2024  report showing unemployment rates in Australia are significantly lower for those with a degree than those without, highlighting the real worth of a university degree. 

Still not sure whether getting a university degree is worth it? 

‘If you’re sick of studying and not sure where you want your career to go, it might be tempting not to do a bachelor’s degree,’ Hahn says. 

‘But when you look at the skills you’ll develop, the flexible nature of the learning and the impact on employability and earnings across your life, it really is hard to go past university.’ 

Thinking a university degree might be worth it?  Find out more about studying at Deakin University.